Posts
Scripture: Luke 1: 39-56
Grace: To believe the Word of the Lord
"Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." Let us pray today for this grace of the Annunciation. Mary believed, even when she didn't understand, she believed the promises of God, and acted upon them. She trusted and pondered. Let us do the same. Let us ponder these things and hold them in our hearts until the Truth is fully revealed, and believe that what the Lord promises, He will do.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Blessed Trinity
Scripture: John 16: 12-15
Grace: To realize the full truth of ourselves
The Catechism teaches that "by sending his only Son and the Spirit of Love in the fullness of time, God has revealed his innermost secret: God himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and he has destined us to share in that exchange." (221). "The complete Trinity dwells in us." (R.P.Philippon). By worshipping the Trinity we realize the full truth of ourselves. "In the communion of grace with the Trinity, man's 'living area' is broadened and raised up to the supernatural level of divine life. Man lives in God and by God" (Pope John Paul II)
--taken from Magnificat May 2010, page 405
Grace: To realize the full truth of ourselves
The Catechism teaches that "by sending his only Son and the Spirit of Love in the fullness of time, God has revealed his innermost secret: God himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and he has destined us to share in that exchange." (221). "The complete Trinity dwells in us." (R.P.Philippon). By worshipping the Trinity we realize the full truth of ourselves. "In the communion of grace with the Trinity, man's 'living area' is broadened and raised up to the supernatural level of divine life. Man lives in God and by God" (Pope John Paul II)
--taken from Magnificat May 2010, page 405
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The truth that sets you free
Scripture: Mark 11: 27-33
Grace: To be honest with ourselves -- and the Lord
"Humans cannot attain a state of happiness without conversion, a complete reorientation of their entire existence. It cannot be achieved by their own effort; it can only result from the supreme freedom which God bestows as soon as we cease to hedge ourselves round with self-sufficiency, isolation, and arrogance...how?...We must know the truth about ourselves without equivocation; we must be brought to the point of absolute honesty before ourselves and before others...The truth shall set you free - and freedom, in every part of life, is all that matters." -- Fr Alfred Delp, SJ in Magnificat, May 2010, p. 396
Grace: To be honest with ourselves -- and the Lord
"Humans cannot attain a state of happiness without conversion, a complete reorientation of their entire existence. It cannot be achieved by their own effort; it can only result from the supreme freedom which God bestows as soon as we cease to hedge ourselves round with self-sufficiency, isolation, and arrogance...how?...We must know the truth about ourselves without equivocation; we must be brought to the point of absolute honesty before ourselves and before others...The truth shall set you free - and freedom, in every part of life, is all that matters." -- Fr Alfred Delp, SJ in Magnificat, May 2010, p. 396
Friday, May 28, 2010
Purifying Power of Prayer
Scripture: Mark 11: 1126
Grace: TO take time frequently to be alone with Him
"Whoever has not begun the practice of prayer, I beg for the love of the Lord not to go without so great a good. There is nothing here to fear but only something to desire... If one perseveres, I trust then the mercy of God, who never fails to repay anyone who has taken him for a friend. For mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us." -- St Teresa of Avila, quoted in Magnificat, May 2010 p. 385
Grace: TO take time frequently to be alone with Him
"Whoever has not begun the practice of prayer, I beg for the love of the Lord not to go without so great a good. There is nothing here to fear but only something to desire... If one perseveres, I trust then the mercy of God, who never fails to repay anyone who has taken him for a friend. For mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us." -- St Teresa of Avila, quoted in Magnificat, May 2010 p. 385
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Lord, that I may see!
Scripture: Mark 10: 46-52
Grace: To persevere in prayer
"When he heard his name, his heart filled with faith. Here was Jesus. It was the chance of a lifetime. And he began to shout as loud as he could: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! In his soul, faith had become prayer. It happened to you, didn't it, when you sensed Jesus was passing your way. Your heart beat faster and you too began to cry out, prompted by an intimate longing.
Difficulties soon arise for the man who searches in darkness for Christ, who is passing by...
...And indeed, when we persevere with fervour in our prayer, we detain Jesus who is passing by. The blind man's prayer is heard...
In those dark moments, when perhaps our feelings of enthusiasm are beginning to diminish compared to with those first days of following Christ, when our prayer is perhaps more arid and our faith seems to weaken, precisely then is when we need prayer most. When we do not see clearly the reason for making a small mortification and our effort in apostolate seems in vain, then prayer is our greatest ally. Instead of cutting short or abandoning our conversation with God because of the greater effort it is going to take, it is the very moment to demonstrate our loyalty, our fidelity, to redouble our endeavour to please him." --from In Conversation With God, vol. 3, pp 441-5
Grace: To persevere in prayer
"When he heard his name, his heart filled with faith. Here was Jesus. It was the chance of a lifetime. And he began to shout as loud as he could: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! In his soul, faith had become prayer. It happened to you, didn't it, when you sensed Jesus was passing your way. Your heart beat faster and you too began to cry out, prompted by an intimate longing.
Difficulties soon arise for the man who searches in darkness for Christ, who is passing by...
...And indeed, when we persevere with fervour in our prayer, we detain Jesus who is passing by. The blind man's prayer is heard...
In those dark moments, when perhaps our feelings of enthusiasm are beginning to diminish compared to with those first days of following Christ, when our prayer is perhaps more arid and our faith seems to weaken, precisely then is when we need prayer most. When we do not see clearly the reason for making a small mortification and our effort in apostolate seems in vain, then prayer is our greatest ally. Instead of cutting short or abandoning our conversation with God because of the greater effort it is going to take, it is the very moment to demonstrate our loyalty, our fidelity, to redouble our endeavour to please him." --from In Conversation With God, vol. 3, pp 441-5
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Can you drink the cup?
Scripture: Mark 10:32-45
Grace: To serve as He served
"You ask me a method of attaining perfection. I know of love - and only love. Love can do all things." -- St Therese of Lisieux
Grace: To serve as He served
"You ask me a method of attaining perfection. I know of love - and only love. Love can do all things." -- St Therese of Lisieux
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The lottery, that raise, that promotion
"Jesus, hidden in my poor little heart, has once again made me understand how hollow and empty are all passing things."
St. Therese
St. Therese
Hundredfold
Scripture: Mark 10:28-31
Grace: To leave everything for Him
"We can rightly say we have left everything when nothing gets in the way of our love for Christ. Our Lord demands the virtue of poverty from all his disciples, at all times and in every situation where the circumstances of their lives find them placed. We have considered this repeatedly, for it is an essential part of following him. He also asks us for a real and practical austerity in the possession and use of material goods, and to live thus supposes great generosity, much sacrifice and unceasing effort, says Paul BI. It is essential for us to learn to practice this virtue in the conditions of everyday life." -- from In Conversation With God, vol 3, p. 427.
Grace: To leave everything for Him
"We can rightly say we have left everything when nothing gets in the way of our love for Christ. Our Lord demands the virtue of poverty from all his disciples, at all times and in every situation where the circumstances of their lives find them placed. We have considered this repeatedly, for it is an essential part of following him. He also asks us for a real and practical austerity in the possession and use of material goods, and to live thus supposes great generosity, much sacrifice and unceasing effort, says Paul BI. It is essential for us to learn to practice this virtue in the conditions of everyday life." -- from In Conversation With God, vol 3, p. 427.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Ordinary time
Scripture: Mark 10:17-27
Grace: Total surrender
Now the challenge -- keeping the fires of Pentecost burning in ordinary time.
"God calls everyone...he calls us all to holiness, to generosity, to detachment, to self-giving. To every one of us he speaks in the depth of our hearts: Come, follow me. We cannot give a lukewarm response to Christ's invitations. He has no use for disciples who are 'half-hearted', who place conditions on their discipleship." from In Conversation with God, vol. 3, p. 420-1
Grace: Total surrender
Now the challenge -- keeping the fires of Pentecost burning in ordinary time.
"God calls everyone...he calls us all to holiness, to generosity, to detachment, to self-giving. To every one of us he speaks in the depth of our hearts: Come, follow me. We cannot give a lukewarm response to Christ's invitations. He has no use for disciples who are 'half-hearted', who place conditions on their discipleship." from In Conversation with God, vol. 3, p. 420-1
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Pentecost Sequence
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
And from your celestial home shed a ray of light divine!
Come, Father of the poor! Come, source of all our store!
Come within our bosoms shine.
You, of Comforters the best;
You, the soul's most welcome guest;
sweet refreshment here below.
In our labor, rest most sweet;
grateful coolness in the heat;
solace in the midst of woe.
O most blessed Light divine;
shine within these hearts of yours, and our inmost being fill!
Where you are not, we have naught;
nothing good in deed or thought;
nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
on our dryness pour your dew;
wash the stains of guilt away.
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
melt the frozen, warm the chill;
guide the steps that go astray.
On the faithful who adore and confess you evermore
in your sevenfold gift descend;
Give them virtue's sure reward;
give them your salvation, Lord;
give them joys that never end.
Amen. Alleluia.
And from your celestial home shed a ray of light divine!
Come, Father of the poor! Come, source of all our store!
Come within our bosoms shine.
You, of Comforters the best;
You, the soul's most welcome guest;
sweet refreshment here below.
In our labor, rest most sweet;
grateful coolness in the heat;
solace in the midst of woe.
O most blessed Light divine;
shine within these hearts of yours, and our inmost being fill!
Where you are not, we have naught;
nothing good in deed or thought;
nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
on our dryness pour your dew;
wash the stains of guilt away.
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
melt the frozen, warm the chill;
guide the steps that go astray.
On the faithful who adore and confess you evermore
in your sevenfold gift descend;
Give them virtue's sure reward;
give them your salvation, Lord;
give them joys that never end.
Amen. Alleluia.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
We now ask for the Holy Spirit
Theme: God promises to send the Holy Spirit. Sent with power to reconcile.
Readings: Luke 11:9-13
CCC 2671-72
John 20:19-23
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all families that God would create a community of love and service.
Let us pray for our elderly brothers and sisters that they deepen their desire to be with God forever in heaven.
Let us pray that God will shower His gifts of the Spirit on us to be His witnesses.
Readings: Luke 11:9-13
CCC 2671-72
John 20:19-23
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all families that God would create a community of love and service.
Let us pray for our elderly brothers and sisters that they deepen their desire to be with God forever in heaven.
Let us pray that God will shower His gifts of the Spirit on us to be His witnesses.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Work for Him
"Now that I am about to appear before God, I understand very clearly that one thing only is necessary, to work for Him alone, and not for oneself or for others."
St. Therese
St. Therese
Theological Virtue: Love
Theme: The Spirit's love gifts us with Knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
Readings: 1Cor 12:31, 13
CCC 1822-23
1Cor 2:9-16
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our clergy, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, on those in training for religious vocations.
Let us pray that God will inspire deep, self-sacrificial love in all marriages, especially those who are experiencing difficulties at this time.
Let us pray for a deeper commitment to love and serve God in our own vocation.
Readings: 1Cor 12:31, 13
CCC 1822-23
1Cor 2:9-16
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our clergy, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, on those in training for religious vocations.
Let us pray that God will inspire deep, self-sacrificial love in all marriages, especially those who are experiencing difficulties at this time.
Let us pray for a deeper commitment to love and serve God in our own vocation.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Gift of the Holy Spirit: Right Judgment/Counsel
Theme: Christian growth in freedom & love.
Readings: Proverbs 8:10-15
CCC 1806
Gal 5:1, 13-26
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those serving in the military and on their families.
Let us pray that God will enlighten our minds to know His ways.
Let us pray for divine inspiration in serving God with our whole lives.
Readings: Proverbs 8:10-15
CCC 1806
Gal 5:1, 13-26
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those serving in the military and on their families.
Let us pray that God will enlighten our minds to know His ways.
Let us pray for divine inspiration in serving God with our whole lives.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Gift of the Holy Spirit: Fear of the Lord
Theme: Human weakness and sinfulness
Readings: Proverbs 8:13, 1:2-7
CCC 1303
Romans 7:15-20, 8:26-27
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit to lead us to humble repentance, deeper conversion and transformation.
Let us pray for an increase of Hope in our lives, overcoming temptations to despair.
Let us pray that God will teach us humility to be able to open our hearts fully to Him.
"Our best plan is to place ourselves in the Lord's presence, meditate oupon his mercy and grace and upon our own lowliness, and leave him to give us what he wills...He knows best what is good for us." --St. Teresa of Avila (in Magnificat, May 2010, p. 264)
Readings: Proverbs 8:13, 1:2-7
CCC 1303
Romans 7:15-20, 8:26-27
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit to lead us to humble repentance, deeper conversion and transformation.
Let us pray for an increase of Hope in our lives, overcoming temptations to despair.
Let us pray that God will teach us humility to be able to open our hearts fully to Him.
"Our best plan is to place ourselves in the Lord's presence, meditate oupon his mercy and grace and upon our own lowliness, and leave him to give us what he wills...He knows best what is good for us." --St. Teresa of Avila (in Magnificat, May 2010, p. 264)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Gift of the Holy Spirit: Fortitude/Courage
Theme: Gifted to serve & build others up.
Readings: Psalm 31:19-24
CCC 1808
1Cor 12:4-11, 31; 13:13
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those with significant health challenges, the unemployed, underemployed, and on all those in great need.
Let us pray that God will strengthen us to endure trials and overcome temptations.
Let us pray that God will empower us to overcome sin in our lives.
"The supernatural virtue of fortitude, God's direct help, is absolutely necessary for Christians to fight and overcome the obstacles that appear in their interior battle to love God more every day and fulfill their duties...
The virtue of fortitude, perfected by the gift of the Holy Spirit, enables us to overcome the obstacles that in one way or another we encounter along the path of holiness, but it doesn't remove the weakness of human nature, the fear of danger, pain or weariness...
This gift is obtained through humility - accepting our own weakness - and having recourse to God in prayer and the sacraments." (from In Conversation With God, vol. 2, pp 567-572)
Readings: Psalm 31:19-24
CCC 1808
1Cor 12:4-11, 31; 13:13
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those with significant health challenges, the unemployed, underemployed, and on all those in great need.
Let us pray that God will strengthen us to endure trials and overcome temptations.
Let us pray that God will empower us to overcome sin in our lives.
"The supernatural virtue of fortitude, God's direct help, is absolutely necessary for Christians to fight and overcome the obstacles that appear in their interior battle to love God more every day and fulfill their duties...
The virtue of fortitude, perfected by the gift of the Holy Spirit, enables us to overcome the obstacles that in one way or another we encounter along the path of holiness, but it doesn't remove the weakness of human nature, the fear of danger, pain or weariness...
This gift is obtained through humility - accepting our own weakness - and having recourse to God in prayer and the sacraments." (from In Conversation With God, vol. 2, pp 567-572)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Gift of the Holy Spirit: Piety/Reverence
Theme: Dignity of Christians
Readings: 1Peter 3:15
CCC 2144
1Cor 3:16-17
Romans 8:14-17
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our single adults and college students, that we may know our true vocation in serving God's purposes.
Let us pray that God will move our hearts to love and serve others as ourselves.
Let us pray that God will teach us how to serve Him fully.
Readings: 1Peter 3:15
CCC 2144
1Cor 3:16-17
Romans 8:14-17
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our single adults and college students, that we may know our true vocation in serving God's purposes.
Let us pray that God will move our hearts to love and serve others as ourselves.
Let us pray that God will teach us how to serve Him fully.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Gift of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom
Theme: The Spirit, the Soul of Christ's body, the Church
Readings: Proverbs 3:13-18
1Cor 12:12-14, 27
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Spirit upon the entire Church, and on all who seek God with a desire to serve Him.
Let us pray for an increase of Love for God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength.
Let us pray that God teach us what to love and how to love well.
"At Babel, human beings seeking to climb to God by their own power fell into discord, unable to understand one another's language. The Word of God borne on the breath of the Spirit at Pentecost restored our ability to understand one another in Christ and to dwell together in peace. Unity is one of the gifts of the Spirit." -- from Magnificat, May 2010, p. 194
Readings: Proverbs 3:13-18
1Cor 12:12-14, 27
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Spirit upon the entire Church, and on all who seek God with a desire to serve Him.
Let us pray for an increase of Love for God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength.
Let us pray that God teach us what to love and how to love well.
"At Babel, human beings seeking to climb to God by their own power fell into discord, unable to understand one another's language. The Word of God borne on the breath of the Spirit at Pentecost restored our ability to understand one another in Christ and to dwell together in peace. Unity is one of the gifts of the Spirit." -- from Magnificat, May 2010, p. 194
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Knowledge & Understanding
Theme: Christ's promise to send the Holy Spirit
Readings: Hosea 4:6
Proverbs 8:1-12
CCC 728-29
John 14:15-17
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our Confirmation Class, and all who are preparing for sacraments.
Let us pray for a greater insight into God's word and His ways.
Let us pray for an increase of Faith in our lives to live confidently in Christ.
Readings: Hosea 4:6
Proverbs 8:1-12
CCC 728-29
John 14:15-17
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our Confirmation Class, and all who are preparing for sacraments.
Let us pray for a greater insight into God's word and His ways.
Let us pray for an increase of Faith in our lives to live confidently in Christ.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Why we need the Holy Spirit
Theme: The whole of creation awaits fulfillment.
Readings: Isaiah 11:1-3
Catechism of the Catholic Church: 1831-32
Romans 8:18-23
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our youth, all children from birth through high school. Let us pray that God "will pour out His Spirit on all flesh." (Joel 2:28)
"It is the Spirit who bears witness in the hearts and on the lips of the saints that Christ is the truth, the true resurrection, and the life. Thus, the apostles who had previously doubted even after seeing his living body, after tasting his life-giving Spirit with great power gave testimony to his resurrection. So it is much more important to receive Jesus in our hearts than to see him with our eyes or hear him with our ears. The Spirit makes a much deeper impression on the interior man than material things make on the exterior senses." (from Blessed Guerric of Igny, quoted in Magnificat, May 2010, p. 156)
Readings: Isaiah 11:1-3
Catechism of the Catholic Church: 1831-32
Romans 8:18-23
Let us pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our youth, all children from birth through high school. Let us pray that God "will pour out His Spirit on all flesh." (Joel 2:28)
"It is the Spirit who bears witness in the hearts and on the lips of the saints that Christ is the truth, the true resurrection, and the life. Thus, the apostles who had previously doubted even after seeing his living body, after tasting his life-giving Spirit with great power gave testimony to his resurrection. So it is much more important to receive Jesus in our hearts than to see him with our eyes or hear him with our ears. The Spirit makes a much deeper impression on the interior man than material things make on the exterior senses." (from Blessed Guerric of Igny, quoted in Magnificat, May 2010, p. 156)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The hope of heaven
Grace: To be strengthened in our hope of Heaven
Scripture: Luke 24:46-53
"He withdrew from their sight little by little. The Apostles remained for a long while, looking up as Jesus ascended majestically until a cloud took him out of their sight. It was the cloud that signifies the presence of God. In John Chrysostom's words: It was a sign that Jesus had entered Heaven...
The Ascension strengthens and nourishes our hope of attaining Heaven. It invites us always to lift up our heart...and seek the things that are above. Our hope is great because Christ himself has gone to prepare a dwelling place for us...
The Apostles returned to Jerusalem in the company of Mary. With her they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit. Let us prepare for the coming of Pentecost staying close to our Lady." --from In Conversation With God, vol. 2, pp 532-536.
Scripture: Luke 24:46-53
"He withdrew from their sight little by little. The Apostles remained for a long while, looking up as Jesus ascended majestically until a cloud took him out of their sight. It was the cloud that signifies the presence of God. In John Chrysostom's words: It was a sign that Jesus had entered Heaven...
The Ascension strengthens and nourishes our hope of attaining Heaven. It invites us always to lift up our heart...and seek the things that are above. Our hope is great because Christ himself has gone to prepare a dwelling place for us...
The Apostles returned to Jerusalem in the company of Mary. With her they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit. Let us prepare for the coming of Pentecost staying close to our Lady." --from In Conversation With God, vol. 2, pp 532-536.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Truth
Grace: To allow the Spirit to lead me to all Truth
Scripture: John 16: 12-15
"Words had no effect on the apostles until they received the gifts. For when Jesus himself came and stood before them, he convinced them not so much by showing them his body as by breathing on them his Gift." --Blessed Guerric of Igny, quoted in Magnificat, May 2010, p. 156
Breathe in me, Holy Spirit, that all my thoughts may be holy;
Act in me Holy Spirit, that my work may also be holy;
Fill my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy;
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, ever to defend what is holy;
Guard me always, Holy Spirit, that I may ever remain holy;
Preserve me, Holy Spirit, that my body may remain your dwelling;
In my last hour call me, Holy Spirit, to enjoy the holiness of heaven.
--Holy Spirit prayer by St. Augustine
Scripture: John 16: 12-15
"Words had no effect on the apostles until they received the gifts. For when Jesus himself came and stood before them, he convinced them not so much by showing them his body as by breathing on them his Gift." --Blessed Guerric of Igny, quoted in Magnificat, May 2010, p. 156
Breathe in me, Holy Spirit, that all my thoughts may be holy;
Act in me Holy Spirit, that my work may also be holy;
Fill my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy;
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, ever to defend what is holy;
Guard me always, Holy Spirit, that I may ever remain holy;
Preserve me, Holy Spirit, that my body may remain your dwelling;
In my last hour call me, Holy Spirit, to enjoy the holiness of heaven.
--Holy Spirit prayer by St. Augustine
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Advocate
Grace: to receive the Advocate who is to come
Scripture: John 16:5-11
"No matter how powerful the rulers of this world appear to be - whether political rulers or those unruly forces that seem to control our own day-to-day behavior at times- all the ends of the earth are in the possession of the risen Christ, as the Easter story shows us. If even death could not prevail over him, how can any other opposition hope to succeed?" --from Magnificat, May 2010, p. 138.
Scripture: John 16:5-11
"No matter how powerful the rulers of this world appear to be - whether political rulers or those unruly forces that seem to control our own day-to-day behavior at times- all the ends of the earth are in the possession of the risen Christ, as the Easter story shows us. If even death could not prevail over him, how can any other opposition hope to succeed?" --from Magnificat, May 2010, p. 138.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Time to Prepare
Grace: To prepare our hearts to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit
Scripture: John 15:26-16:4
To increase our devotion to the Holy Spirit, we can begin by practising the human and Christian virtues, at work and in our daily dealings with others. If a Christian fights to acquire these virtues, his soul is preparing to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit fruitfully. The Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, the soul's sweet guest (Sequence: Come Holy Spirit) pours out his gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and the fear of the Lord.(cf Is 11:2)
The Holy Spirit desire (far more than we could ever desire) to give us his gifts in such abundance that they form a torrential river in our supernatural life, and produce their wonderful fruits in us. He is waiting only for us to rid our souls of any possible obstacles, to ask him to give us a greater desire of purification, and to tell him from the depth of our soul: Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of your love.
Recourse to our Lady, the spouse of the Holy Spirit, is the surest way for us to dispose our soul for whatever new gifts the Paraclete wishes to give us."
--from In Conversation With God, vol. 2 pp 517-8
Scripture: John 15:26-16:4
To increase our devotion to the Holy Spirit, we can begin by practising the human and Christian virtues, at work and in our daily dealings with others. If a Christian fights to acquire these virtues, his soul is preparing to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit fruitfully. The Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, the soul's sweet guest (Sequence: Come Holy Spirit) pours out his gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and the fear of the Lord.(cf Is 11:2)
The Holy Spirit desire (far more than we could ever desire) to give us his gifts in such abundance that they form a torrential river in our supernatural life, and produce their wonderful fruits in us. He is waiting only for us to rid our souls of any possible obstacles, to ask him to give us a greater desire of purification, and to tell him from the depth of our soul: Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of your love.
Recourse to our Lady, the spouse of the Holy Spirit, is the surest way for us to dispose our soul for whatever new gifts the Paraclete wishes to give us."
--from In Conversation With God, vol. 2 pp 517-8
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
Grace: To keep His word
Scripture: John 14:23-28
"God dwells in those who prepare a place for him. The word of Christ heard, loved, and lived by the power of the Holy Spirit is the broom that sweeps all faults, injustices, untruths, slanders, and greed out of the heart that would welcome him." from Magnificat, May 2010, p. 121
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Mother.
Scripture: John 14:23-28
"God dwells in those who prepare a place for him. The word of Christ heard, loved, and lived by the power of the Holy Spirit is the broom that sweeps all faults, injustices, untruths, slanders, and greed out of the heart that would welcome him." from Magnificat, May 2010, p. 121
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Mother.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
I have chosen you
Grace: to remain faithful in time of trial
Scripture: John 15:18-21 or Ps 119:9-16
"Mary 'kept' the word of God in two ways: by reflecting on it often and by living it with utmost fidelity. Her obedience brought her to the dark afternoon of Calvary and to the bright joy of Easter." Magnificat, May 2010, p. 9
At Mass yesterday, Fr. Pat said that one reason we celebrate the suffering, death and resurrection of the Lord for 50 days is to help us develop a victorious mindset; so that we learn to face trials and adversity with a confident, victorious mindset, knowing that God will give us the grace we need.
Scripture: John 15:18-21 or Ps 119:9-16
"Mary 'kept' the word of God in two ways: by reflecting on it often and by living it with utmost fidelity. Her obedience brought her to the dark afternoon of Calvary and to the bright joy of Easter." Magnificat, May 2010, p. 9
At Mass yesterday, Fr. Pat said that one reason we celebrate the suffering, death and resurrection of the Lord for 50 days is to help us develop a victorious mindset; so that we learn to face trials and adversity with a confident, victorious mindset, knowing that God will give us the grace we need.
Friday, May 7, 2010
You are my friends
Grace: To bear fruit that remains
Scripture: John 15:12-17
"When seen in the light of Easter joy, our sins can weigh us down with discouragement. Yet God's love does not deal in punishment as human vengeance does. God's love disciplines and prunes us in order to free and purify us - sometimes a painful process - so that we may not die like a withered branch but live and bear much fruit." from Magnificat, May 2010, p.88-9
Scripture: John 15:12-17
"When seen in the light of Easter joy, our sins can weigh us down with discouragement. Yet God's love does not deal in punishment as human vengeance does. God's love disciplines and prunes us in order to free and purify us - sometimes a painful process - so that we may not die like a withered branch but live and bear much fruit." from Magnificat, May 2010, p.88-9
Thursday, May 6, 2010
I also love you
Grace: To remain in Him
Scripture: John 15:9-11
"Jesus reveals an awesome reality: he loves us the very way that the Father loves him. What "God first concerned himself with" remains his main desire: 'acquiring a people for his name.' Thus, Christ begs: 'Remain in my love.' We do so by keeping his commandments, for they save us 'from the destructive force of egoism and falsehood. To keep the Commandments is to be faithful to our deepest aspirations.'" (Pope John Paul II, quoted in Magnificat, May 2010, p. 80)
Scripture: John 15:9-11
"Jesus reveals an awesome reality: he loves us the very way that the Father loves him. What "God first concerned himself with" remains his main desire: 'acquiring a people for his name.' Thus, Christ begs: 'Remain in my love.' We do so by keeping his commandments, for they save us 'from the destructive force of egoism and falsehood. To keep the Commandments is to be faithful to our deepest aspirations.'" (Pope John Paul II, quoted in Magnificat, May 2010, p. 80)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The Vine
Grace: to be securely bound to Jesus
Scripture: John 15:1-8
"Ah, what grief! This is the great blindness - that we should bind ourselves, when no demon nor anyone else can bind us with a single deadly sin! So let's wake up from this sleep of senseless apathy! Cut this evil bond!
All this happens because sin and the world have nothing in common with Christ crucified. For the world is ever seeking honor, pleasure and power. while the blessed Christ chose abuse, anguish, insults, and finally the shameful death of the cross. He wanted to be an obedient servant, not a violator of the Law or of his Father's will. He always sought his Father's honor and our salvation. So let's follow in his footsteps. I beg you - I want us to be bound with that gentle true bond. And so you may be better able to do this, open wide your eye of self-knowledge." St. Catherine of Siena, in Magnificat, May 2010, p. 73
Scripture: John 15:1-8
"Ah, what grief! This is the great blindness - that we should bind ourselves, when no demon nor anyone else can bind us with a single deadly sin! So let's wake up from this sleep of senseless apathy! Cut this evil bond!
All this happens because sin and the world have nothing in common with Christ crucified. For the world is ever seeking honor, pleasure and power. while the blessed Christ chose abuse, anguish, insults, and finally the shameful death of the cross. He wanted to be an obedient servant, not a violator of the Law or of his Father's will. He always sought his Father's honor and our salvation. So let's follow in his footsteps. I beg you - I want us to be bound with that gentle true bond. And so you may be better able to do this, open wide your eye of self-knowledge." St. Catherine of Siena, in Magnificat, May 2010, p. 73
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Peace I leave you
Grace: To know peace in accepting His will
Scripture: John 14:27-31
"Mary lived her life of divine filiation in a profound sentiment of humble dependence and loving adherence to God's every will...Mary, who was to be the most faithful likeness of Jesus, said, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to Thy word.' Faithful to her word she would accept without reserve not only the manifest will of God, but also every circumstance permitted by Him...What an example of humble dependence on God, of absolute fidelity to His will, and of perseverance in our vocation,in spite of the difficulties and sacrifices we shall have to encounter." --from Divine Intimacy, by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D., p. 510
Scripture: John 14:27-31
"Mary lived her life of divine filiation in a profound sentiment of humble dependence and loving adherence to God's every will...Mary, who was to be the most faithful likeness of Jesus, said, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to Thy word.' Faithful to her word she would accept without reserve not only the manifest will of God, but also every circumstance permitted by Him...What an example of humble dependence on God, of absolute fidelity to His will, and of perseverance in our vocation,in spite of the difficulties and sacrifices we shall have to encounter." --from Divine Intimacy, by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D., p. 510
Monday, May 3, 2010
Lord, Show us the Father
Grace: To know the Father's love
Scripture: John 14:6-14
"It is no rational conclusion that leads from the Son to the Father, but rather faith in God's perfect unity." Fr Hans Urs von Balthasa, quoted in Magnificat, May 2010 p. 53.
Scripture: John 14:6-14
"It is no rational conclusion that leads from the Son to the Father, but rather faith in God's perfect unity." Fr Hans Urs von Balthasa, quoted in Magnificat, May 2010 p. 53.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
"What is new is precisely this 'loving as Jesus loved,'...Jesus asks us to live his own love, which is the truly credible, eloquent and efficacious sign that announces to the world the Kingdom of God."
"Loving others as Jesus loved us is possible only with that strength that is communicated to us in our relationship with him, especially in the Eucharist, in which his Sacrifice of love that generated love is made present in a real way," he said. -- quotes from the Holy Father in ZENIT today.
"Loving others as Jesus loved us is possible only with that strength that is communicated to us in our relationship with him, especially in the Eucharist, in which his Sacrifice of love that generated love is made present in a real way," he said. -- quotes from the Holy Father in ZENIT today.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
St Joseph the Worker
Grace: To know Jesus and be docile to the Holy SPirit
Scripture: Matthew 13:54-58
"...they took offense at Him."
People in Nazareth thought they knew Jesus. Yet they rejected Him because He was not what they expected. They took offense. St Joseph humbly trusted God and was obedient - without understanding. Rather than take offense, he obeyed.
Scripture: Matthew 13:54-58
"...they took offense at Him."
People in Nazareth thought they knew Jesus. Yet they rejected Him because He was not what they expected. They took offense. St Joseph humbly trusted God and was obedient - without understanding. Rather than take offense, he obeyed.
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